* Contamination: Dust, dirt, debris, and moisture will enter the engine, causing immediate wear and tear on the moving parts. This can lead to scoring of cylinders, bearings, and other critical components.
* Rust and Corrosion: Especially in humid environments, exposed metal parts will rust and corrode, potentially causing irreversible damage.
* Oil Loss: Obviously, the oil will drain out completely, leaving the engine completely unprotected. Running an engine without oil will cause catastrophic failure within minutes.
Even a short period with the oil pan removed will likely result in a costly engine repair or complete engine replacement. If you have removed the oil pan, get it back on and the engine properly refilled with oil as soon as possible.